GREENFIELD — Police took a suspect into custody shortly after the armed robbery of a Main Street business Tuesday.

Officers were called to Zemi, a Main Street clothing and gift shop, at 5:19 p.m., where a man had brandished a small knife, demanded money, and left with an undisclosed amount of cash, according to Sgt. David Rice.

Gregory Colliston, 22, of Acton, was arrested on charges of armed robbery, assault with a dangerous weapon and two outstanding warrants.

“We had a couple of officers in the area who were able to arrive quickly,” said Rice. “We investigated the robbery, and obtained information that led us to believe he was in the Winslow (Building).”

Rice said officer Emily Rowell and Deerfield police staked out the entrance to the Wells Street apartment building, and, eventually, the suspect came out. He was then detained, and, when police felt they had confirmed his identity as that of the robber’s, he was arrested.

A quick response, a good description of the subject and the collaboration of several law enforcement agencies combined to bring the suspect in quickly.

“This was an excellent team effort by numerous officers on ours and other law enforcement agencies,” said Rice. Deerfield police, state police, and the sheriff’s department aided Greenfield police in the response.

Rice said the matter is still under investigation, and, though there was no clear motive Tuesday night, such “poorly executed” robberies are often committed to feed a drug habit.

Colliston is scheduled to be arraigned today in Greenfield District Court.

David Rainville can be reached at: drainville@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 279